P.O. Box 640109

El Paso, TX 79904

8 November - 6 December, 1998

Dear Children,

Now this is what you might want to call one looooooong awaited letter. I mean I actually started writing this one on the 8th of November and tried ever so hard to finish it on the 15th but just wasn’t ever able to tie all the loose ends together. So seeing how I’ve already written about two-thirds of it, I’m gonna go right ahead and pick it up where I left off last. And with all that having been said, here we go:

First of all, let me give you a glimpse into the future by letting you know that things are going to be a little crazy for the next few weeks. You see between my business travels and the upcoming Thanksgiving Campmeeting I won’t have too much time to put these little messages together. So just in case you don’t get another letter until sometime on out in December, please try and understand the reason why.

Now for this week (which in reality has become two weeks) we’ll continue on with our ever deepening discussion of the United States of America and the stinking rotting mess that it’s in. And of course as you should know by now this discussion not only includes the political system (Mr. President and beyond) but even more importantly the people and their religions. Because for those of you who have kept up with the political scene of this past week (why not make things a little more exciting?) it looks as though these most recent elections will only intensify what I believe this whole rotting mess is all about in the first place.

Because as you should remember it was only last week that I confessed to my shamefully horrible sin of "milk and cookies". And it was by this same understanding (that I knew what I did was wrong; committing the sin of milk and cookies) that I also know that far too many of the readers believe that my confession of this sin should have never been a confession in the first place... because to them this sin wasn’t even a sin... and that’s exactly why we’re in this stinking rotting mess that we’re in.

And seeing how God the Father gives me so many real life experiences to help us all understand how to apply His Word (the Word of God), what better time than now to go ahead and throw in just one more... because it all fits so very well with the subject at hand. You see it was only this past Monday (2 November) that my employer (The Toro Company) had an all day gathering at the Marriot Hotel for it’s El Paso employees. And to help you understand (just a little bit better anyway) what went on during this festive event called "Owners Day", for a total of six full hours we kinda like did all the things you would expect to do at a well prepared birthday party. There was food, prizes, balloons, music, and even a talent contest.

Now before I lay it all out in black and white I must first make you all aware of two very important facts. First of all The Toro Company is being led by a man (Mr. Ken Melrose) who has publicly (over world wide TV) made a commitment to lead his company in the way that Jesus would have him to do it. In other words he not only professes to be a Christian but he has every intention of showing it through his actions (his leadership). And just in case you don’t understand the enormous magnitude of that one small statement, let me give it to you in a nutshell: What Mr. Melrose is determined to do with his company can only be done through the power of God Almighty. And God will help him do what he has said he is going to do... but it definitely ain’t a gonna be easy!

OK, so that was fact #1. And now on to fact #2, because it’s this second one that makes the entire message fit together so well. You see as a born again believer it’s my job to tell as many people as possible the truth about Heaven and Hell. Because God the Father doesn’t want any of His created beings (people) to suffer for all eternity in a place that was originally designed for the master of sin himself (Satan). And even though we were all born into this miserably rotten and corrupted flesh (born contaminated with sin), Jesus’ unbelievably unselfish death on the cross made it possible for each and every one of us to escape this unimaginable punishment of the wicked (Hell). That’s what He did, but in order for us to have it (salvation) we must first trust in Him and obey Him.

So it’s through this thing called "sin" that Satan gets a whole lotta people into the same fix that he’s going to be in very shortly (Hell fires). And probably the most hideous (ugly) sin that was ever invented by Satan is the terrible sin of homosexuality. Now as most people already know, there was once upon a time a twin city known as Sodom and Gomorrah... and it existed during the time of Abraham... until God became so grieved by it’s wickedness (the sin of homosexuality) that He decided to go ahead and give them their Hell fires a few days early. Because you see for those people who lived in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah the fires of Hell came to them not only after death but before death too. It was what you might want to call one of those double whammies... and it was terrible... and it was horrible... and it is still terribly horrible even unto this day. Because for those people in the city of Sodom and Gomorrah the fires will continue to burn for ever and ever and ever and ever.

So if you take into consideration all the points concerning fact #2, you should be able to see that the ultimate goal for any follower of Jesus Christ (Christian) should be to deliver as many homosexuals as possible from their upcoming fiery grave... and do it through a salvation knowledge of Jesus Christ. And seeing how I’m a follower of Christ, it should be easy to understand why that’s one of my top priority goals. Because for some time now that one goal has been focused on one individual in particular... and he works at Toro (El Paso). You see I’ve been praying that the Lord would give me the opportunity to witness to this man... because without a doubt he is the most open and outspoken person I know of when it comes to the sin of homosexuality.

And as you should be able to see very shortly it was during the Owners’ Day party that this plan all came together so very nicely. Because it was somewhere around the midway point in the talent contest that I not only had the opportunity to "see" my homosexual friend in his sin, but I also had the opportunity to "see" a very small sampling of our great nation in it’s sin. And let me be the first to tell you that everything I "saw" came without much warning.

Because to put it into simple terms, it was just like getting broadsided by one of those big old ten wheeler cement trucks... that’s doing a good 70 miles an hour... and the driver doesn’t even attempt to step on his brakes. I mean try and visualize me in your mind watching decent entertainment on the "family net" when all of the sudden the channel gets switched to the glaring horror of the "Satan net"... and all without any real warning. Because what I saw on Satan’s net was a man dressed in an evening gown, lip-syncing the words to a song about cheating, two timing, and good for nothing men. Talk about mixed up and messed up!!!

I mean I was already so embarrassed that I couldn’t even watch him finish out his performance... but that wasn’t the end of it! Because to top it all off, when he had finally finished doing what he was doing, a goodly portion of the crowd (all 700 of them) gave him a standing ovation... complete with the throwing of table flowers. And then... even though there had been a few contestants who had done something really worthy of being called talent, guess who got the most applause during the judging? You guessed it! The man dressed as a woman, lip-syncing a song about "why men are no good", won the first place prize in the Toro’s Owners’ Day talent contest of $300! Wow! Double wow!! And triple wow!!!

Now keep it in mind that Mr. Melrose had absolutely no knowledge of what was going down in the talent contest. In fact he wasn’t even able to attend the Owners’ Day celebration. But regardless of the circumstances, however unfortunate this entire situation might have been it did serve a very useful purpose. Because what it did do was to point out a very important truth... and it’s this truth that very well defines exactly why this nation is in the mess that it’s in! And with all that having been said, are you starting to see just where we are headed to in this message?

Well throughout this entire sermonet series on Should President Clinton Remain in Office?, we have seen the blame for this whole stinking rotting mess get shifted from the president, to the people (nation)... but it didn’t even stop there... because it finally ended up on the front door steps of the church (religion). And seeing how it was only last week that the Lord took us through a few pointers on the lying prophets, what better time than now to continue on into God’s word and uncover a few more of the specifics that they were all lying about.

Because it was somewhere around Wednesday or Thursday morning, as I was seeking the Lord for His will in this message, that He advised me on what He wanted. And what He told me to write on was the Scripture as found in Psalm 119. So what might you ask is this Psalm 119 all about? Well seeing how I’m kinda lacking when it comes to the understanding of the Psalms, I had to first do a whole lotta praying and studying before I could even understand just what the Lord was trying to tell me. But after having finally done what was necessary for me to do (praying and studying), I finally saw what the Lord wanted me to see... and the resulting message is what you might call right on time (God’s perfect timing).

So now for the rest of the story. And starting off our reading with verses 1-8, "Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly."

OK so how about it? Do you understand what it’s all about? Well for my transplanted lawyer friend Mr. Bill, who’s wandering around somewhere up in the state of Maryland, I’m quite sure that all these words (law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, and judgments) must make his heart beat just a little bit faster. You see all of these words are what most folks would expect to see in the court of law... but not in the Word of God... and that’s exactly why this nation is in the shape that it’s in. Because you see now and days most folks think of God the Father as a great big old Santa Claus who gives out Christmas presents all year round. That’s what they think, but believe you me He ain’t! God is not Santa Claus but He is The Judge! And it will be only a very short time before He’s going to be The Judge of each and every last person who has ever walked on the face of this earth.

And seeing how we are all going to have our day in court you would think it smart for each of us to at least understand both what we are going to be tried for and what the resulting punishment will be if we are found guilty. I mean get real, we really don’t have a choice in the matter because there is absolutely no way out of it! We are all going to be on trial... and the outcome of The Trial (Judgment Day) will be determined by how well each and every one of us has obeyed God (His law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, and judgments). And for all those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, by being obedient to the law of God (walked in His way), this word "blessed" will certainly be a blessing to them (they will be very very happy for ever and ever).

But in order to get a better feeling about what a real hope of this happiness really is, let’s turn to and read a few verses from I John 3. And starting with verse 1, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."

OK, so that was the beginning of John’s message and to most it probably sounds pretty good... but it certainly won’t hold true to everyone. In fact this truth about it not applying to everyone won’t really be known to most until He (Jesus) comes back (appears) to get all of His brothers and sisters (the rapture). And it’s right about then that a good many folks will catch on real fast (the light will come on) to the fact that they have been left behind. You see many Christians really aren’t God’s children because they don’t love and obey God’s law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, and judgments... and that’s exactly why He gave us the Scripture of Psalm 119 for today.

Because as we continue on with our reading in I John, I think you’ll be able to see just how few people there really are who can truly call themselves "sons of God"... and it’s all for this very same reason of the law. Because the truth of the matter is that John goes on to say in verses 3-7, "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous."

So in order for us to have this hope (becoming the son or daughter of God the Father and living our everlasting life in Heaven as a child of God) we must stop breaking God’s laws. Because the act of breaking God’s law (transgression) is what God considers sin. And finishing up what John had to say with verses 8-10: "He that commetteth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother."

Now that’s what you call getting to the point: "He that commetteth sin is of the devil". Make no bones about it! God demands that we both understand and obey His law. And as you should be able to see by now, this entire Scripture that God has given us for this week’s message is dealing with the importance of following God’s law. Because without a shadow of a doubt (according to God’s Word) the obedient will be blessed and the disobedient will be cursed. And I guess this is as good a time as any to go ahead and read just a few of God’s laws that can either result in His forever blessings or His forever curses. So starting it off with Leviticus 18:22-30, "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion. Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants."

So do you kinda get the feeling that this act of homosexuality makes God sick on His stomach? Well that’s exactly why I said what I said in the beginning of this message. God hates the sin of homosexuality and this law as found in the book of Leviticus proves it. Because continuing on with our reading we find: "Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you: (For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;) That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you. For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people. Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the LORD your God."

So how many of those folks who were applauding the talent act of my homosexual friend at the Toro’s Owner’s Day celebration do you figure actually knew and understood this law of God as found in the book of Leviticus? And how many of those same folks do you figure profess to be born again children of God? Well just to take it one more giant step further, how well do you figure this very small sampling represented the great nation of the United States of America? A scary thought to say the least!

And of course you’ll have to admit that what we have just read doesn’t leave much for the imagination. But just in case that wasn’t clear enough for you let’s turn it on over two more chapters to Leviticus 20 and read from verse 13: "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them."

You see homosexuality is a crime in the eyes of God (it’s a sin unto death), and because of God’s righteous judgments it’ll take the homosexual straight on into the burning fires of Hell! So you see what that very small representation of the United States did last Monday at my company’s Owners’ Day celebration was to applaud someone who was very proudly disobeying one of God’s laws. This man who was dressed as a woman was in effect breaking God’s law which will earn him everlasting death (if he doesn’t change). So do you really think that he knew what he was doing? And what about the audience that was encouraging him to do it? Do you really think they knew and understood the law of God as found in the Word of God?

Well that’s why it’s so very important that we all know the truth... and what better way to get it than directly from the source? Because reading on into Psalms 119, verses 33-40, we find, "Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Include my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good. Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness."

And speaking of fear, how many of those El Paso Toro folks do you figure really and truly "fear God"? And what about the rest of the nation? How many folks do you think are the least bit concerned about the wrath of God coming down on the top of their heads? Well from all indications I would say not too very many... and that’s why I’m speaking up on what I know to be the truth. In fact you might even say that’s the reason why a copy of these sermonets goes out to President Clinton. You see our nation is in a mess, it ain’t following God, and that’s why verses 41-48 in Psalm 119 kinda like hit the nail on the head concerning what God wants us to do about it: "Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word. So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments. So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever. And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved. My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes."

So for those of us who do know the truth we must speak the truth!!! And since we are speaking of testimonies, what better time than now to read a hot one from the apostle Paul. So picking it up in Romans 1:15-32, "So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the Gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness..."

So how many folks in our great nation (the United States of America) do you think have turned away from the truth and are now believing the lies of the lying prophets? And just how many of those folks applauding the self destruction of my homosexual friend do you think are actually church going folks? And why is this all happening? Well the truth of this matter is found as we continue on with Paul’s writings: "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things."

I mean the facts are that God’s Word clearly defines homosexuality as an abomination to God... but yet homosexuality is fast becoming an accepted way of life... and not only in the world (United States of America) but also in the church. And to top it all off our fearless leader President Clinton is doing everything within his power to make it a normal accepted lifestyle... even though God Almighty has very plainly said that it is not. So just what kind of problems do you think this might cause our "one nation under God"?

Well I’m afraid that it puts us as right about where so many of those people in Rome were during the time of Paul. Because reading on we find, "Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lust of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile afflictions: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient..."

You see these Romans knew what was right but they chose to accept what was wrong. And because they chose to accept what was wrong God allowed them to likewise receive all the rewards of this sin. And it’s these same rewards which just so happen to be listed in the rest of this Scripture: "Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whispers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them."

Ain’t it amazing how God’s Word so accurately predicts what will happen if we don’t stay totally sold out to Him. I mean what a perfect picture Paul painted so very many years ago of our present day situation. You see in that picture I see not only the people at our Owners’ Day celebration but also the people of our great nation as a whole. Because it’s just as Paul pointed out: when we as a professing nation of God, fully knowing the consequences of homosexuality, allow it to continue on in our nation without speaking out against it, sooner or later it will consume us too.

So what are we going to do about it? Well we better do just as Psalm 119 says in verses 97-104, "O how I love thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies... Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way."

Have you got it? Well get it... and keep the faith!!!

Love,

Dad (Bruce Hallman)